Career Services for Our Veterans

Written by Emily Linginfelter, Marketing and Communications Intern

Happy Veterans Day! We are elated that you’ve chosen to become a member of the Xavier community, which is ranked among the top ten Midwest Regional universities for veteran services. Attending college might feel a little like entering a different time zone after a military career, but rest assured your decision and its challenges build a strong candidate wherever you may go after graduation.

Student veterans are unique individuals whose real world experiences add enlightening perspectives to any academic or career-oriented discussion. There is an entire support system cheering for you within the university, and the Career Development Office (CDO) and Learning Assistance Center (LAC)- located next door to the Center for Veterans Affairs- have two coaches whose services are tailored for student veterans.

Barbara Turner-Michaelson is a CDO career coach, and she has worked with Xavier since 2011. Many student veterans schedule appointments with her for insights on resumes, cover letters, applications, interviews and internship/job searches. Barbara additionally organizes career events for veterans, and previous topics have included resume writing, peer-to-peer service descriptions and collaboration opportunities with the Cincinnati V.A. Hospital.

Brad Fittes is the Veterans Advisor for the Center for Veterans Affairs, and his office is located within the LAC. He provides academic advising, V.A. Education benefits counseling and other student outreach and support to all military connected students on Xavier’s campus. Brad takes an exploratory approach to most appointments, and he ensures all student veterans make comfortable decisions after researching their options. He regularly works with student veterans and plans social, academic and career-oriented programs. Peer-to-peer mentoring is most popular program, where student veterans develop academic, personal and professional skills through a partnership with fellow V.A. peers.

Brad Fittes and Barbara Turner-Michaelson are excited to share that more veteran services are anticipated in the near future. General Electric recently awarded $1.5 million grant for the Center for Veterans Affairs and students veterans who enroll in Xavier’s graduate and undergraduate programs using the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Part of the new development includes hiring an admissions representative for veterans to assist them with the application of V.A. benefits and the transition to college.

The Career Development Office, Learning Assistance Center and Center for Veterans Affairs are always available resources to our student veterans. We proudly celebrate all those who have served our country. Thank you for your service!